After profiting from another goal making pass from the Danish international in Everton's away-day triumph at Norwich on Saturday - a win which briefly took the Blues second in the table - Bent said he was anxious for Gravesen to stay.

The Dane is out of contract at the end of the season and has yet to sign a deal which has been on the table since the summer. Bent would hate to see him leave.

"Thomas always produces great passes because he is a world-class player," he explained..

"In training he does things that make your jaw drop.

"You find yourself thinking about things he has done for a couple of days. "He is a big part of our team and it would be a big loss if he was to go. But we are not even in January yet, so we don't have to talk about that."

Everton take a break from Premiership action on Wednesday when they entertain David Moyes' former club Preston in the Carling Cup at Goodison Park.

Moyes must decide whether give Bent a break, with James McFadden, Nick Chadwick and Kevin Campbell all short of match action.

Alan Stubbs has a tight calf after Saturday's win, while Gary Naysmith is still receiving treatment on an ankle injury.

"We have a squad of around 18 or 19 players and I will be looking to use one or two of the lads who haven't been involved recently," said Moyes..

"But Preston will be a tough test and we will select our strongest side possible."

Blues boss Moyes also laughed off weekend speculation linking him with a January swoop for Manchester United striker Louis Saha.

The Gers will be forced to pay The Toffees #500,000 once the full-back makes another six appearances for the team, however the Scottish giants are unwilling to pay the money until the stopper's injury worries clear.

McLeish had hoped the clubs could come to an arrangement over Ball's future appearances, but Everton are refusing to change the terms of the deal.

"If Wyness is going to be stubborn, that's his prerogative. But I don't know if that would help anybody," said McLeish.

"We're not in a position to pay Everton #500,000. If Michael plays six games - that's a complete non-starter."